A-Z Challenge - 'D'

As you might expect, my topic corresponding to the letter D is just that, D - as in vitamin D. Another major step on my journey to wellness is the addition of vitamin D to my supplementation regimen. As I live in Connecticut, the primary source of vitamin D is somewhat limited during the winter months so supplementation can help keep vitamin D levels in the blood at sufficient levels to prevent deficiency. That primary source being exposure to the sun.
 Safe doses of vitamin D are debated. Some claim toxicity levels are low and that supplementation should be avoided while others claim that chronic consumption combined with sun exposure would have to be in excess of 40,000 IU daily in order to approach toxic levels. The body produces about 10,000 IU of vitamin D in about 30 minutes of sun exposure. However, that level of production is based on full body exposure (think sunbathing on the beach in a swimsuit). Gardening in the early morning or late afternoon sun fully clothed with a wide-brimmed hat will drastically reduce the amount of vitamin D your body makes.

• Research has shown that vitamin D can help the body fight against diseases including multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, type I and II diabetes, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease - not to mention the common cold!
• Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin meaning that it requires the presence of fat in order to be properly absorbed by the body (this is one reason that it is added to milk ).
• Vitamin D3 is the most bio-available version of vitamin D.

Once again, before undertaking a supplementation program, please consult your doctor.